Young people 'bearing the brunt' of coronavirus crisis

number of children and young people referred for mental health help has risen by more than a quarter as they "bear the brunt" of the coronavirus crisis, experts have warned.

Data analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows that almost 400,000 children and 2.2 million adults sought mental health help during the pandemic – with 1.68million more mental health sessions delivered over the year compared with the year before.

Analysis of NHS data suggests that, while the crisis is affecting people of all ages, the under-18s are suffering most, the college said.

Some 80,226 more children and young people were referred to specialist mental health services between April and December last year – up 28% on the same months in 2019 to 372,438.

Meanwhile, 600,628 more treatment sessions were given to children and young people – up by a fifth on 2019 to 3.58million.

Dr Bernadka Dubicka, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "Our children and young people are bearing the brunt of the mental health crisis caused by the pandemic and are at risk of lifelong mental illness.

"Services were already struggling to cope before the pandemic hit, and they risk being over run unless the Government ensures the promised money reaches the front line quickly."

Health minister Nadine Dorries said: "I am acutely aware of how difficult this pandemic has been for many, especially children and young people. Last month we announced a mental health recovery action plan, backed by an additional £500m, specifically targeting those that have been most impacted by the pandemic."